Dozens of users on social media platform X have come forward to express their frustration over the prolonged wait times for US visas and green cards in the comment section of what was meant to be a heartwarming post celebrating the story of a nearly 100-year-old Indian woman who recently attained American citizenship.
“They say age is just a number. That seems true for this lively 99-year-old who became a #NewUSCitizen in our Orlando office. Daibai is from India and was excited to take the Oath of Allegiance. She’s pictured with her daughter and our officer who swore her in. Congrats Daibai,” US immigration services (USCIS) said in a post.
As the American immigration agency shared 99-year-old Daibai’s journey to US citizenship, netizens raised concerns about the extensive backlog plaguing the American immigration system. Many voiced their grievances over the arduous wait times for visa approvals and green card processing.
They say age is just a number. That seems true for this lively 99-year-old who became a #NewUSCitizen in our Orlando office. Daibai is from India and was excited to take the Oath of Allegiance. She’s pictured with her daughter and our officer who swore her in. Congrats Daibai! pic.twitter.com/U0WU31Vufx— USCIS (@USCIS) April 5, 2024
Challenges of US immigration
Aside from the issue of green card backlog, the US visa application process in India has become increasingly burdensome, with wait times stretching beyond several years in some cases. Professionals such as engineers, scientists, and techies face significant delays, with wait times for visa approval often exceeding hundreds of days. This has led to frustration and anger among those affected.
Daibai’s story, while inspiring, has reignited discussions about the accessibility of the “American Dream,” the belief that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success in the US through hard work and determination. There is a need for reforms within the USCIS to address the delays and obstacles faced by immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States and the accessibility of the American dream.
Some have raised questions about whether the dream is truly attainable for everyone, particularly given the challenges and obstacles inherent in the immigration process. Concerns have been voiced regarding the extensive backlogs and lengthy wait times experienced by many individuals seeking visas and green cards.
Legislative problem?
When asked about the long backlog of green cards in a recent podcast, US Ambassador in New Delhi Eric Garcetti said, “Part of this is a legislative problem that Congress will have to address on whether it’s the number of legal immigrants, the number of green cards, or the number of people who can become citizens.”
He said there are just limits to how many Green Cards can issued. “Like any country, I’m sure there are limits here, too. And that is frustrating for Indians, I think because there are so many Indians who want to come to America. And that’s a great part of our news, by the way. Second only to Mexicans, where Indian visas last year, the biggest number of students, double the second biggest.”
Read More: ‘Welcome More Indians…’: US Ambassador Garcetti Addresses Questions On Visa and Green Card Delays
‘Huge priority’
Garcetti also said that US President Joe Biden has asked him to bring down the visa wait time for India, adding that this is a “huge priority” for the American government. “I don’t think presidents even focus on visa wait times. But we all have so many Indian friends who are saying, ‘Why is this taking so long?’ That it even went up to the president. The reality of 250 is that it is an average. And I think the typical person is actually under 200 days already,” Garcetti said during a podcast with ANI in response to the 250-day wait for visa appointments.
The US ambassador said that there are several things that the country is doing to address the visa concern, including the opening of new consulates. “We’ve talked about opening two new consulates in the near future. One in Bangaluru, and another one that will be in Ahmedabad. Two, we’re working with the Ministry of External Affairs to put more bodies in India, and they’ve been very responsive and helpful.” “Third, we are shipping it out,” he said, adding the US councilors, who don’t have enough work in their countries, are working on Indian visas.
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